Composition for kindling fires



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PERRY SROUFE GRINDLE, OF BROOKLYN, ALABAMA.

COMPOSITION FOR KINDLING FIRES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 505,311, dated September 19, 1893.

Application filed October 26, 1892. Serial No. 450,060. (No specimens.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, PERRY SROUFE GRIN- DLE, of Brooklyn, in the county of Conecuh and State of Alabama, have invented a new and useful Composition of Matter for Kindling Fires, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My improved composition consists of the following named ingredients combined in about the proportions stated, and in the manner substantially as specified:

Formula: one part rosin, three parts sawdust, one-fiftieth of one part combustible cemout. The cement is composed of-two and one-half parts coal tar, one and one-half parts asphaltum, one-half of one part good common glue, one part laundry starch.

To compound the combustible cement: First prepare the glue in liquid forth by the usual method of heating, and then add water in proper quantity to reduce the glue and form a gelatinous substance. The starch is also rendered mucilaginous by properly boiling it with water in the usual manner. The glue and starch, coal tar and asphaltum, are all placed in a suitable vessel over a fire, and heated as Well as stirred, to render the whole liquid and thoroughly mix the same.

To combine the other ingredients with the cement in the proportions hereinbefore mentioned, the rosin is reduced to liquid form in a kettle over a fire and brought to a boiling point, the sawdust which should be dry is now added and thoroughly mixed by stirring the materials, and lastly the combustible cement is added, the heating and stirring of the mass being continued until all the parts are completely mixed, and a homogeneous composite mass results, having an even granular consistency. The composition is now molded while in a plastic condition, the preferred form being circular cakes of proper dimensions for efficient and economical use as a fire kindler.

It is claimed for this novel composition, that the ingredients when pressed and cold, form a very inflammable composite substance that will remain consolidated until used, will not become sticky, does not disintegrate by age, and provides an article of low cost that Will reliably inflame a mass of coal in a stove, without the use of other kindling material, and in a speedy manner.

Having thus fully described my improved composition of matter, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- A fire kindling composition consisting in three parts of sawdust mixed with one part of rosin, and one-fiftieth of one part of a combustible cement formed of two and one-half parts coal tar one and one-half parts asphaltum one-half of one part glue and one part of starch, substantially as set forth.

PERRY SROUFE GRINDLE.

Witnesses:

JOHN F. IRWIN, SAMUEL L. WITHERINGTON. 

